Karl H. Lezette, 79, of Saugerties
Karl H. Lezette, 79, of Ebel Court Saugerties, died Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at Northern Dutchess Hospital.
Born on Sept. 30, 1938, in Saugerties, N.Y., he was the son of the late Richard A. and Marian Lezette. He was predeceased by his brother, Richard W. Lezette, and sister, Jill (Lezette) Gehring.
Karl is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Tonita (Sange); son, Karl W. Lezette (Meg); daughter, Karin Maines (Joe/Iggy); daughter, Denise Dittus (Mike); and seven grandchildren, Jacqueline, Kevin, Matt, Joe, Megan, Ryan, and Jon, all of whom loved him dearly. Karl is also survived by his two brothers, Robert (Joan) and Donald (Eileen), and sister, Sue Lezette.
For 30 years, Karl served as president of Lezette Express Inc., proudly and professionally managing the safe, reliable transportation of schoolchildren in the Saugerties and Kingston communities. Prior to that, he was active with the family ceramic business (Lezette Ceramics), as well as the Lezette Express family trucking business, which was started by his grandfather, Frank Lezette. Karl’s generosity as a business man has touched virtually every charity, nonprofit group, and family in need in the Saugerties community. His caring, witty, and modest personality will be missed by all.
As a youth, Karl was a member of the Father Hardy Drum and Bugle Corps, and participated in both youth baseball and basketball. Later on in life, Karl was a fixture at the Roger Donlon Auditorium, where he was well-known in the SAA hoop circuit for his propensity to find a shot and take it. Karl was a past chairman of the Town of Saugerties Recreation Committee, and was instrumental in the early development of the Cantine Field Complex and recreation facilities. He was also vice president of the Glasco East Kingston Little League for many years, working with Fred J. Davi in the development of youth baseball facilities and programs in the Glasco community. He was a former Little League manager of the Giants in the Glasco East Kingston LL and Biddy Basketball Coach of the Pistons in the Saugerties Biddy League. In 2001, Karl was recognized for his vast contribution to Saugerties sports by being inducted into the Saugerties Sports Hall of Fame, an achievement he and his family are very proud of.
Karl loved to golf and missed doing so as his health declined, but kept busy by manicuring his yard, playing with his beloved dogs, and staying true to his New York Mets through thick and thin. He loved history, especially Saugerties history, and was an encyclopedia of knowledge of the Saugerties village, as well as history of the hamlet of Veteran, which he fondly referred to as “Toodlum.” His father Richard, a World War II veteran (Marines) instilled a love of country and strong sense of patriotism in Karl. Growing up during wartime, he developed a strong respect for the sacrifices of those who serve. Karl was a huge supporter of the Disabled American Veterans and Wounded Warriors.
Karl truly loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and was an active and enthusiastic participant in “Nanny’s Daycare” at 28 Ebel Court. Following his grandchildren’s interests, achievements, and well-being was always a priority to him, living by the mantra, “family first.” Karl’s grandchildren always found great joy in being in his company and when he “held court,” his grandchildren spent countless hours listening and laughing with “Poppy” as he recited his repertoire of stories, often blurting out inappropriate jokes, and intentionally crossing the line of political correctness just to get a rise out of them. They could never have asked for a more loving and devoted grandfather. “He was a man, just a simple man. His pleasures were few. He shared his bread with all. That was the life he knew.” – Kiev
His funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home Inc., corner of John and Lafayette streets. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Barclay Heights. Friends wiil be received Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Family suggests donations in his memory be made to the Anderson Center for Autism.
Expressions of condolence may be shared with the family at SeamonWilseyFuneralHome.com.